Long before the Europeans and Spaniards arrived in San Diego County to settle the region and cultivate crops, this county was the long time home of several bands of local people, called Indians by the newcomers. Three of the most well know bands of local peoples are the Barona Indians, Viejas Indians and the Sycuan Band of Indians. California has recognized these regional people as true tribes of the area and has allowed them to build casinos on their lands. Other casinos also built on Indian land in San Diego county are: Pala Casino, Harrah’s Rincon, Gold Nugget Casino, and Valley Center Casino. The three casinos closest to downtown San Diego are Baron Resort and Casino, Viejas Casino and Outlet Center and Sycuan Casino and Resort.
Viejas Casino and Outlet Center
5000 Willows Road, Alpine CA
619-445-5400
For ease of access, Viejas is definitely the winning casino. Located just of the Highway 8 near the small community of Alpine, Viejas Casino and Outlet Center can be seen from the highway and the access road is clearly marked. They also provide bus transportation to the casino from major shopping centers in North County, East County, and the South Bay. For a bus schedule call 619-445-5400.
The casino offers table games, over 2000 slot machines, a world class poker room, Bingo and off-track betting. If gambling is not your interest, how about doing some shopping? Several major retailers have outlet stores in Viejas, each with major discounts on new merchandise, similar to what you would pay big bucks for at the downtown Horton Plaza. If gaming and shopping do not interest you, how about food? Viejas offers amazing daily food specials for less than what many local restaurants offer. Hosting one of the premier steak houses in the county, The Grove Steakhouse features amazing specials and excellent wines. You can also try the Harvest Buffet, Daisy’s Café and China Camp for a variety of tasty treats, appetizers and entrees. What ever your interest, you will find fun and adventure at the Viejas Casino and Outlet Center.
Barona Resort and Casino
1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, San Diego, CA
619-443-2300
Located near the community of Lakeside, Barona is operated by the Barona Band of Mission Indians. With a 400-room hotel, a championship golf course and the certified “loosest slots” by Wizards of Odds.com, Barona Resort and Casino is a great weekend or weekday escape from the frustrations of downtown living.
Missing the outlet mall of Viejas, Barona has something else. Situated in the back hills of the county, Barona was able to build their casino and resort without destroying the natural setting of the surrounding hills. The walking trails at Barona have been designated as an Audubon Certified Signature Sanctuary since 2002. Stroll the trails or walk the Barona Creek Golf Club grounds and enjoy the natural wild life and plant life of the San Diego region. Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the hiking trails as summer may be a bit too hot.
If gaming is your reason for visiting a casino, Wizard of Odds.com has certified Barona as having the loosest blackjack and loosest roulette in California. As for their food, Barona was awarded the Gold Medallion Award in 2009 for Best Casino Dining. With fine dining, an all you can eat buffet, Asian, Italian and seafood specialties; you will be able to enjoy creative and unique dishes in inventive and distinctive dining rooms.
Sycuan Casino
5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019
619-445-6002
One of the largest Indian Casinos in North America, Sycuan Casino is located just 30 minutes from downtown San Diego. With their convenient shuttle, anyone over age 21 can enjoy all the fun, food, games and drinks this huge casino offers. Non-smokers can enjoy the non-smoking room and still play the slots, a game of poker, Bingo, Pai Gow, or bet on the ponies with Off Track Betting. For those who do not gamble or just need a break, Sycuan offers 54 holes of golf, a lighted tennis court and a relaxing health spa. The golf courses at Sycuan were voted San Diego Favorite Golf Courses by SignOnSanDiego.
If gaming and playing golf does not interest you, try the food. Sycuan offers amazing daily food specials for less than what many local restaurants offer. Their $10 Buffet is a big hit with the locals and is always busy on the weekends. They also have a Thanksgiving Buffet which is delicious; the menu can be found online just before the holiday. Their daily buffet offers steak, roast, lobster, crab, pasta, any type of food you can think of. However, you must be over 18 years old to eat in any of the restaurants or be anywhere in the casino. They are very strict about the age requirement.
Article Resources
Personal Experiences
www.signonsandiego.com/casinos/
500nations.com/San_Diego_Casinos.asp
www.harrahsrincon.com
